This document outlines the syllabus statements for Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry regarding metals. It covers 10 topics: the properties of metals, reactivity series, extracting metals like iron and aluminum, and the uses of common metals such as aluminum, copper, zinc, steel, and stainless steel. Students are expected to understand the physical and chemical properties of metals, how the reactivity series relates to a metal's ability to form ions and react, extraction methods and reactions, and the relationship between a metal's properties and its common applications.

1. 08/04/2016
10. Metals
Syllabus statements
Statements from Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus 0620 (for exams in 2016 – 2018)

2. 10.1 Properties of Metals
• List the general physical properties of metals
• Describe the general chemical properties of metals
e.g. reaction with dilute acids and reaction with
oxygen
• Explain in terms of their properties why alloys are
used instead of pure metals
• Identify representations of alloys from diagrams
of structure

3. 10.2 Reactivity Series
• Place in order of reactivity: potassium, sodium,
calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, (hydrogen) and
copper, by reference to the reactions, if any, of the
metals with:
– water or steam
– dilute hydrochloric acid
and the reduction of their oxides with carbon
• Deduce an order of reactivity from a given set of
experimental results

4. 10.2 Reactivity Series
• Describe the reactivity series as related to the
tendency of a metal to form its positive ion,
illustrated by its reaction, if any, with:
– the aqueous ions
– the oxides
of the other listed metals
• Describe and explain the action of heat on the
hydroxides, carbonates and nitrates of the listed
metals

5. 10.2 Reactivity Series
• Account for the apparent un-reactivity of
aluminium in terms of the oxide layer which
adheres to the metal

6. 10.3 Extraction of Metals
• Describe the ease in obtaining metals from their
ores by relating the elements to the reactivity
series
• Describe and state the essential reactions in the
extraction of iron from hematite
• Describe the conversion of iron into steel using
basic oxides and oxygen
• Describe in outline, the extraction of zinc from
zinc blende

7. 10.3 Extraction of Metals
• Know that aluminium is extracted from the ore
bauxite by electrolysis
• Describe in outline, the extraction of aluminium
from bauxite including the role of cryolite and the
reactions at the electrodes
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
recycling metals, limited to iron/steel and
aluminium

8. 10.4 Uses of Metals
• Name the uses of aluminium:
– in the manufacture of aircraft because of its
strength and low density
– in food containers because of its resistance to
corrosion
• Name the uses of copper related to its properties
(electrical wiring and in cooking utensils)

9. 10.4 Uses of Metals
• Explain the uses of zinc for galvanising and for
making brass
• Name the uses of mild steel (car bodies and
machinery) and stainless steel (chemical plant and
cutlery)
• Describe the idea of changing the properties of
iron by the controlled use of additives to form
steel alloys